Tony and Pepper have been relentlessly working on the new Stark Tower with both of their minds and collaboration the tower would soon be a reality and the peak of technological architectural progress.
Right now Tony was surrounded by various tools, screens, and prototypes. The faint hum of machinery filled the air as he focused intently on a sleek, suit laid out on the workbench in before him. He meticulously examined the integration of synthetic Vibranium and advanced nanoparticles, the latest innovations that would revolutionize his armor.
"Alright, let's see what we can do here,"
he muttered to himself, his voice barely above a whisper. He carefully applied a thin layer of synthetic Vibranium to the suit's outer shell, feeling the texture shift beneath his fingers.
"This should enhance both durability and energy absorption."
"Sir, I recommend testing the Synthetic vibranium's energy absorption properties against the previously established thresholds,"
JARVIS chimed in, his calm voice cutting through the lab's buzz.
"Good idea, JARVIS,"
Tony replied, nodding as he reached for a vial of nanoparticles, each one designed to respond to his commands in real time.
"If I can get these to sync properly with the Synthetic Vibranium, I might be able to create a suit that adapts in the field—responding to impacts and shifting density based on the threat level."
"Analyzing the current molecular structure of the Synthetic Vibranium," JARVIS continued, bringing up a holographic display that showcased the material's properties.
"Based on preliminary tests, it appears to exhibit superior energy modulation capabilities."
Tony set to work, adjusting the calibrations on his computer and inputting various parameters. His fingers danced over the keyboard, bringing up simulations that displayed the suit's potential reactions under different conditions. The interface buzzed with data, and Tony felt a rush of excitement at the possibilities unfolding before him.
"Just need to find the right balance of energy modulation,"
he said, studying the fluctuating graphs on the screen.
"Too much energy absorption could destabilize the suit, but too little might compromise its protective capabilities."
"Sir, the current configuration indicates a potential risk of structural failure if energy absorption exceeds thirty-five percent,"
JARVIS cautioned.
"It would be prudent to recalibrate the nanoparticle density in conjunction with the Synthetic Vibranium layering."
"Right, right,"
Tony replied, his mind racing as he adjusted the parameters.
"If I tweak the nanoparticle composition to align with Synthetic Vibranium's unique properties, I might just be able to push that threshold higher."
As he immersed himself in calculations, a familiar voice echoed in the back of his mind—a reminder of the countless hours spent refining his designs, pushing the boundaries of what was possible.
Suddenly, the soft chime of JARVIS interrupted his concentration.
"Sir, Colonel Rhodes has arrived and is waiting in the living room"
Tony leaned back in his chair, a grin spreading across his face.
"Perfect timing, I want to show his War machine suit as well."
"Shall I prepare the holographic displays for demonstration?"
JARVIS asked.
"Absolutely,"
Tony said, excitement bubbling within him.
"This is going to be good."
With a flick of his wrist, he closed the simulations and stepped away from the workbench,
Soon he arrived where he could see Rhodey waiting for him
"There you are, Stark,"
Rhodey said, turning to greet him with a smirk.
"I thought you'd be buried under a mountain of schematics again."
"I was,"
Tony replied with a playful roll of his eyes.
"But I dug myself out. Like a mole, only cooler."
"A mole with a million-dollar lab,"
Rhodey quipped back, grinning.
"You're lucky you've got the resources to hide out down here."
"And the charming personality to keep you coming back,"
Tony shot back, his eyes glinting with mischief.
"What's the matter? Miss me?"
"Not exactly,"
Rhodey replied, chuckling.
"Just here on official military business. They're really starting to pressure me for those suits of yours."
Tony raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence.
"My suits? What suits? I'm just a humble inventor."
Rhodey shook his head, still smiling.
"You know what I mean. They want your tech, and they want it soon."
"You know how I feel about military contracts, Rhodey,"
Tony said, crossing his arms.
"They always want the best but can't handle the worst."
Rhodey leaned in, his expression serious for a moment.
"I get it, but they're really pushing hard. I could use your help here, Tony. They want something that can handle heavy artillery, maybe a little more offensive than your standard Iron Man suit."
Tony's mind raced as he considered the request.
"Well, I've been working on something special—something that could fit the bill."
Rhode's eyes widened with curiosity.
"Something special? Like what?"
"How about this why don't you set up a meeting tomorrow at the base, I will show you the good stuff and throw the military a bone or two"
Rhodey raised an eyebrow, a bit confused but intrigued by Tony's vague response.
"Alright, man. I'll set up the meeting tomorrow at the base. But don't leave me hanging. What's this 'good stuff' you're talking about?"
Tony grinned, keeping his cards close to his chest.
"Trust me, you're going to love it. But tonight, let's not worry about the military. How about we kick back, and have a nice evening? Pepper's been going all out with dinner plans, and Bruce is around. Let's just enjoy the night."
Rhodey chuckled, shaking his head.
"You and your mysteries, Tony. But sure, a quiet evening sounds good."
Later that evening...
The dining room in Stark Tower was illuminated with warm, soft lighting as Pepper worked her magic in setting up the perfect evening. A large table was filled with an array of dishes—some meticulously curated by the chef, others with Tony's peculiar contributions of snacks and his beloved cheeseburgers.
Pepper was bustling around, making sure everything was in order when Rhodey walked in, followed closely by Tony and Bruce.
"Look at this,"
Rhodey said, gesturing toward the feast.
"We're eating like kings tonight."
Pepper smiled, giving him a quick hug.
"I thought you guys could use a break from all that 'saving the world' business."
She glanced at Tony.
"Especially you, Mr. Workaholic."
Tony shrugged, leaning against the back of a chair.
"What can I say? The world's got a lot of problems, and someone's gotta fix them."
Bruce smiled from across the table, sitting down.
"Well, tonight's a nice change. Thanks for setting this up, Pepper."
As everyone settled in, conversation flowed easily. Rhodey recounted some stories from his latest military assignments, Bruce chimed in with a few scientific quips, and Tony threw in his usual witty banter, keeping the mood light. Pepper added her own insights, talking about the progress on the Stark Tower and how they were working to make it a model of sustainability and cutting-edge tech.
After a while, Rhodey leaned back, looking content after the meal.
"This was great, Pepper. I'm starting to feel spoiled."
Pepper laughed.
"Well, enjoy it while you can. Tomorrow, it's back to business for all of you."
The Next Day – Military Base
As Tony stepped off his private jet, the sleek, custom-designed transport he'd put together for quick trips, Rhodey was waiting for him at the entrance to the base, flanked by a group of senior military officials. Tony's sunglasses reflected the early morning sun as he strode toward them, a confident grin playing on his face.
"Alright, folks. I hear you've been waiting for me,"
Tony said, extending his hand to one of the high-ranking officers.
"Stark," General Phillips greeted him with a firm handshake.
"We're expecting big things. Rhode's been keeping us in suspense."
Tony smirked, glancing at Rhodey.
"He's good at that. Keeps people on their toes."
He turned back to the group.
"Well, let's get started. I've got some goodies to show you."
As they walked through the base, Tony could feel the weight of their expectations. The military had been eyeing his technology for years in the previous timeline, but Tony had always been cautious about handing them anything that could be weaponized. Today, however, he had come prepared with a different kind of solution.
They entered a large hangar where several crates and devices sat waiting under tarps. Tony stepped forward, standing in front of one of the covered machines.
"First off,"
he began,
"I know you guys have been focused on firepower, but I'm thinking more along the lines of saving lives. Let me introduce you to the Rescue Drone."
He pulled back the tarp, revealing a sleek, aerodynamic drone with foldable wings and compact but powerful rotors. Its design was minimalistic, yet advanced, with clear lines and a sense of purpose.
"This bad boy is designed specifically for search and rescue missions. Whether it's natural disasters, collapsed buildings, or dangerous war zones, the Rescue Drone can scan for survivors, relay real-time data, and even carry medical supplies to injured personnel. It's fully autonomous, equipped with heat sensors, radar, and a high-res camera system that can operate in pretty much any environment."
The officers exchanged impressed looks as Tony continued.
"And the best part? No human risk. You send these in when it's too dangerous for anyone else. Saves lives, reduces risk, and lets you focus on the mission. They're linked to my AI, which means they can learn and adapt in real-time, making decisions based on the situation."
"This could be a game-changer for our disaster response units,"
General Phillips muttered, clearly impressed.
Tony moved to the next tarp-covered object, grinning.
"Now, I know a lot of you are concerned about soldiers who've been injured in combat. It's one thing to help them with recovery—it's another to give them their lives back. Which is why I've been working on this."
He pulled the cover off, revealing a set of sleek prosthetics, designed with cutting-edge technology. The limbs glistened with the same sheen as his suit, and Tony tapped one to demonstrate its flexibility and movement.
"Advanced prosthetics,"
Tony announced.
"Not just any prosthetics—these are fully integrated with Stark tech. They're linked to neural impulses, allowing soldiers to regain near-complete mobility and function. And they're durable enough for field use. These aren't just for rehabilitation. With these, injured soldiers can be fully operational again, back in the field if they choose."
There was a murmur of surprise among the officials. One officer, Colonel Davis, stepped forward to get a closer look.
"You're saying these prosthetics are combat-ready?"
Davis asked.
"Absolutely,"
Tony confirmed.
"Stronger, faster, more precise than anything you've ever seen. These soldiers will be just as capable—if not more—than before."
Rhodey gave Tony a sidelong glance, clearly impressed but knowing there was more.
"You've really outdone yourself, Tony."
Tony gave a modest shrug. "What can I say? I like to keep busy."
Finally, they approached the last set of covered machines. This one was larger, and the officers leaned forward in anticipation as Tony pulled back the cover, revealing what looked like a small jet engine.
"Now, for something that's going to change the way you think about power in aviation,"
Tony said, his voice full of excitement.
"This is an arc reactor designed for next-gen aircraft. Light, powerful, and—most importantly—clean energy. Imagine planes that never need to refuel, drones that can fly indefinitely, and a power source that doesn't require any external fuel."
The officers were speechless as Tony pointed to the device's glowing core.
"The arc reactor tech is the future,"
Tony explained.
"But let me make one thing clear. These reactors are directly tied to my AI system. Any attempt to tamper with, steal, or reverse-engineer the technology will result in an automatic shutdown. You won't be able to get them to work without me. If anyone tries to get smart and replicate this tech without permission, they'll find themselves with a very expensive paperweight."
General Phillips narrowed his eyes. "You're saying we have no control over it?"
Tony looked him dead in the eye.
"I'm saying that I'm not handing out world-altering technology to just anyone. This reactor stays under Stark supervision. You get to use it, but you don't get to mess with it. Non-negotiable."
There was a moment of tense silence before anyone could protest Phillips nodded.
"Fair enough. We'll respect your conditions, Stark."
Rhodey chimed in.
"I've been saying it for years—no one can handle this kind of tech like Tony. We're lucky he's letting us have this much."
After the arc reactor presentation, Tony led the group to a final section of the hangar. His characteristic swagger and confidence were on full display as he gestured to a few more tarps, each one hiding something different.
"Alright, I know we've already seen some pretty cutting-edge stuff,"
Tony said, a sly grin crossing his face,
"but I've got a few more toys to show off before we get to the main event."
The military officials, already impressed by the rescue drones, advanced prosthetics, and arc reactor technology, exchanged curious glances as Tony moved to the next set of covered devices.
Tony whipped off the first tarp, revealing a compact but heavily armored drone bristling with advanced weapons and defense mechanisms.
"Say hello to the Aegis Defense Drone,"
Tony introduced.
"Unlike the rescue drones, this one's designed for field deployment in hostile zones. Fully autonomous, outfitted with non-lethal crowd control measures, but if things go sideways, it can deploy energy shields, suppressive fire, and take out enemy artillery from a distance."
He tapped the drone, which responded by unfolding and powering up, hovering a few inches off the ground. The sleek, matte black exterior shimmered as its shield generators flickered to life.
"Think of it as a portable defense turret,"
Tony explained,
"capable of acting independently or in sync with ground units. It learns, adapts, and can be deployed with little oversight. And, of course, fully powered by the arc reactor."
The officials marvelled at the technology. The concept of automated defense without risking human lives was a game-changer.
"Autonomous field units... could revolutionize how we handle defense in unpredictable situations,"
Colonel Davis mused, clearly impressed.
Next, Tony led the group to a smaller device—one that looked like a scaled-down version of the arc reactor core but built into a sleek, portable generator.
"Now this,"
Tony said, clearly enjoying the audience's growing awe,
"Is something I think you'll appreciate on a practical level. The Portable Arc Reactor Generator. It's a self-sustaining power source that can be deployed anywhere. Imagine combat zones, remote bases, forward operating units—no more relying on fuel or external power. You've got clean, unlimited energy wherever you need it."
He kicked it lightly with his foot, causing the generator to hum to life, glowing faintly as it activated.
"Deploy these, and you won't have to worry about resupply lines being cut off. Your operations can stay up and running indefinitely."
General Phillips whistled softly, clearly impressed.
"This... this could change how we operate in the field, Stark."
"That's the idea,"
Tony replied with a wink.
"But remember, same rules apply. These babies are linked to my AI. Try to tinker with them without me? You'll be out of power faster than you can say 'court martial.'"
The tension broke slightly as the officers chuckled, but Tony's underlying warning was clear—no one was getting their hands on his tech without his permission.
Finally, Tony stopped in front of a covered object sitting in the center of the hangar. It was larger than the other devices and clearly built with power and defense in mind. Tony exchanged a quick glance with Rhodey before pulling the tarp off to reveal the fully armoured, battle-ready suit.
The group of officers went silent as they took in the imposing figure standing before them. It was similar to Tony's Iron Man suits, but bulkier, with more pronounced weapon systems integrated into the frame.
"Ladies and gentlemen,"
Tony began, his voice slightly more serious,
"allow me to introduce you to something I've been working on for a while. I call it... the War Machine."
Rhodey's eyes widened, clearly taken aback.
"War Machine? You never mentioned this to me before."
"Well," Tony said with a smirk,
"I figured I'd save the big reveal for a special occasion. This suit is designed specifically with the military in mind. Heavier armor, more firepower, and most importantly, it's built for someone I trust to use it responsibly."
He shot Rhodey a knowing glance.
The suit was a marvel of engineering—armoured plating of synthetic Vibranium integrated with a veritable arsenal of non-lethal and lethal options. Shoulder-mounted mini-guns, missile launchers hidden in the forearms, and a repulsor system that was more powerful than anything on Tony's own suits.
"It's fully integrated with the arc reactor,"
Tony explained.
"Meaning it's got more power than your average Iron Man suit. And unlike the previous models, this one's designed for long-term engagements. No refuelling, no maintenance in the field. Just pure, unadulterated military-grade firepower."
Rhodey looked at the suit in awe.
"You're saying this is for me?"
"I built it with you in mind, buddy,"
Tony said, placing a hand on Rhodey's shoulder.
"I've kept the military off my tech for years, but if there's anyone I trust to handle this kind of firepower, it's you. The War Machine is yours."
Rhodey's expression shifted from surprise to pride.
"Tony, this... this is incredible."
"I figured you'd like it,"
Tony said with a grin.
"But don't get too comfortable yet. We've got some tests to run, and I need to make sure you're up to speed on the suit's systems. And remember, this tech comes with strings attached. The War Machine is tied to my AI, and it operates on arc reactor energy. You'll have full autonomy in the field, but if anyone else tries to take control of it? Boom. Shutdown. No one gets to play with my toys except us."
The military officials nodded, clearly impressed by the technology on display. Rhodey stepped forward, still in awe of the suit.
"Tomorrow,"
Tony said, clapping Rhodey on the back, "we'll start your training. But for now, how about we call it a day"
Phillips gave a nod, clearly impressed by the tech but aware of the power dynamics at play.
"We're good. We'll get everything in place for tomorrow's presentation. But Stark, I hope you're ready for the questions that are going to come from the higher-ups."
Tony waved a hand dismissively.
"Questions? Please. I live for that kind of thing."
With the military officials satisfied for now, Tony walked off with Rhodey by his side, feeling pretty good about how things had gone.
As Tony led Rhodey and the senior military officials out of the hangar, the weight of the presentation still hung in the air. The officers whispered among themselves, no doubt discussing the potential of what they had just witnessed. Tony, however, had already shifted gears. His mind was focused on the next phase—getting Rhodey into the War Machine suit.
The following morning, the sun rose over the base, casting a warm glow on the rows of military vehicles and personnel already starting their day. Tony and Rhodey arrived at the testing area where the War Machine suit stood waiting, its imposing silhouette gleaming in the early light.
"Alright, Rhodes,"
Tony said, clapping his hands together.
"Time for the fun part. You ready to take this beast for a spin?"
Rhodey chuckled, though there was a slight nervousness in his voice.
"You sure this thing isn't going to blow up on me?"
Tony grinned.
"If it does, I'll know before you do. J.A.R.V.I.S. is keeping a close eye on everything. Besides, you're tougher than that."
J.A.R.V.I.S.'s calm voice echoed through the hangar.
"I can assure you, Colonel Rhodes, all systems are functioning within normal parameters."
Rhodey gave a mock salute to the AI.
"Thanks, J.A.R.V.I.S. Always good to know I'm in safe hands."
Tony tossed Rhodey a black helmet, specifically designed to integrate with the War Machine suit.
"Suit up, Colonel. Let's see how you handle this."
Rhodey slid the helmet on and stepped toward the War Machine suit. The armor automatically adjusted and opened at his approach, revealing the sleek, almost exoskeleton-like interior. He climbed in, the suit closing around him with a mechanical hiss, the power core coming to life with a deep, resonant hum.
"How's it feel?"
Tony asked, already knowing the answer.
Rhodey shifted in the suit, the HUD lighting up inside the helmet. His movements felt seamless, as if the armor was a natural extension of his body.
"Feels... powerful,"
Rhodey admitted, moving his arms and legs as the suit mirrored his every action perfectly.
"Like I could take on a tank."
"You probably could,"
Tony replied casually. "But let's start with something a little lighter. We'll ease you into the weapons systems before we blow anything up."
They moved to the testing range, where Tony had set up targets and drones for Rhodey to practice on. As the suit's systems came online, Rhodey took a deep breath.
"Alright, what's first?" he asked.
"Start with the basics,"
Tony instructed.
"Repulsor are in the hands, same as my suit. You've got missile systems in the shoulders, and mini-guns are integrated into the wrists. Give the repulsor a try."
Rhodey aimed his hand at one of the far-off targets and fired, the energy beam erupting from his palm and striking the target dead center. He grinned inside the helmet.
"Nice,"
Rhodey said, sounding more confident.
Tony watched, arms crossed, clearly enjoying the show.
"Told you. Now, let's try something with a little more kick. Shoulder missiles."
With a subtle movement of his head, Rhodey activated the shoulder-mounted missile launcher. A small missile shot out, exploding on impact and obliterating one of the targets downrange.
"Damn, Tony. This thing's a monster!"
Rhodey exclaimed, his excitement palpable.
"It's called War Machine for a reason, Rhodey,"
Tony replied with a wink.
"But let's not get too trigger-happy. We've still got to run diagnostics and make sure you can handle the full range of its capabilities. It's a lot of firepower, and I don't want you overloading the system on your first run."
Rhodey nodded, settling into the weight of the armor, feeling its power with every movement.
"Understood. But I have to say, this is incredible. The military has been pushing for something like this for years, and now... I can't believe I'm actually in it."
Tony gave him a serious look.
"This isn't just for show, Rhodey. You'll need to be careful who you trust with this kind of power. You know how the military can be when it comes to control."
Rhodey's face tightened inside the helmet.
"Yeah, I know. That's why I'm the one wearing it. I'll keep it in check."
Tony smirked.
"Good. Now, how about we try out the flight systems? I want to see you pull off something impressive before lunch."
Rhodey grinned, adjusting his stance.
"Let's do it."
With a surge of energy, the War Machine suit lifted off the ground, hovering effortlessly in the air. Tony couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as his best friend soared above the testing range, finally experiencing the power and responsibility of wearing an Iron Man-grade suit.
As Rhodey soared higher, Tony crossed his arms, watching closely.
"I think the military's going to be satisfied with this little show."
He muttered to himself, knowing full well that War Machine was just the beginning ,he had given it a lot of thought handing this kind of technology was risky but it was needed with J.A.R.V.I.S a lot more powerful he could make sure that his tech doesn't fall in the wrong hands if it had been his previous self he would have never given this tech to the military but he knew that he had to prepare the world for what was coming with the upcoming threat of Loki and the Ney York battle the drones would be a huge help in rescuing the civilians and quick response, also the reason he had handed the tech to military rather than SHIELD was HYDRA according to Jarvis hydra was a lot more deep rooted in SHIELD than the military although they had few influences in military but it was not to the extent of SHIELD. He would prepare the world for what was coming and this time he won't hesitate to build armour around it.